ABSTRACT
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder adversely affecting fertility and reproductive health with diverse clinical manifestations in women. Aim: The objectives of the present study are to determine and compare the prevalence of PCOS between rural and urban Assamese women in Guwahati, Assam. Methods: A total of 150 (75 rural; 75 urban) Assamese women aged 18-35 years have been collected at Pratiksha Hospital, Guwahati, Assam. The relevant data were collected through self-administered pre-structured and interview methods. Results: Higher prevalence of PCOS was found in the urban areas living in nuclear families in comparison to rural areas. Recent weight gain and obesity with a higher prevalence of oligomenorrhea were found to be higher among the urban participants. An excess androgen activity evidenced by increased hirsutism was higher in the urban areas as compared to rural areas in association with increased levels of serum insulin. Conclusion: A long-term personalized management program is required for effectively treating individuals with PCOS which may help in regulating the symptoms and various other metabolic complications.